Ukraine’s Zelenskiy praises Trump’s ‘impressive’ election win

Reuters:

KYIV, Nov 6 – Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy rapidly congratulated Donald Trump on Wednesday morning for winning the U.S. election, saying the Republican’s “peace through strength” approach to global affairs could bring a “just peace” closer in Ukraine.

Zelenskiy, in a message shortly after Trump claimed victory, praised the election win as “impressive” and said he looked forward to an “era of a strong United States of America under President Trump’s decisive leadership.”

The speed of the message aimed to quickly build ties with the next administration in Washington amid persistent uncertainty over what a Trump presidency would mean for the war.

Under Democratic President Joe Biden, the United States has poured in tens of billions of dollars in military and financial aid since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.

Trump has criticised the level of U.S. support, refused to say he wants Ukraine to win the war and promised to end the conflict before he takes office in January, without explaining how.

“I appreciate President Trump’s commitment to the ‘peace through strength’ approach in global affairs,” Zelenskiy wrote in his statement.

“This is exactly the principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer. I am hopeful that we will put it into action together.”

Yaroslav Zheleznyak, a lawmaker from the Holos party, said the transition until Trump takes office in January could be significant.